Estonian Defense League Head: Involving Young People Is Our Task in Shaping the Future
In his Victory Day speech, Estonian Defense League Commander Ilmar Tamm called for involving youth in national defense, including AI-based systems, and highlighted their role in preserving freedom.
Estonian Defense League Commander Ilmar Tamm, in his Victory Day speech in Rapla, emphasized the need to show young people their important role in shaping Estonia's future, including in AI-based defense systems. He recalled that schoolboys made a remarkable contribution during the War of Independence, fighting alongside battle-hardened soldiers.
Tamm stressed that society must tell young people they are needed today, not just in the future. He urged not to passively criticize youth but to ask what can be done to support and inspire them. The Defense League offers 8,000 young people opportunities to grow, learn teamwork, and become citizens who care about their community and Estonia.
The commander warned against generational divides. Younger generations who grew up in free Estonia understand the value of freedom, especially given the current security situation. He highlighted two young torchbearers: Ann Pikkorainen from the Home Daughters, who after 11 years in the organization will soon begin military service, and Robert Täht from the Young Eagles, who builds and flies drones during exercises with the Defense League and Defense Forces.
Tamm also praised the Kosenkranius family — Erik and Veronica have together contributed 340 volunteer hours this year. He noted that young people develop not only practical defense skills but also the will to defend their country. While artificial intelligence is here to stay, human wisdom remains essential in defining problems. Tamm called on the private sector to invest in defense and support reservists.
